I have an Aria pro II TA-60, and I love it. Probably the best sounding guitar I've ever owned. Easy on the hands too. Thanks for this video!

Very informative video - well done! My first guitar in 1988 was a Squier Stratocaster - but within a year, I had bought a second guitar. It was a used electric guitar from Japan, made by Fuji Gen. 6 months later I saw an AriaProII Urchin hanging on the used guitar shop wall and fell in love. 1 week of negotiations, and $125 later, I had my first AriaProII. That guitar quickly became my #1. I’d buy many (many!) other guitars over the next 15 years, including USA Fenders and Gibsons, but I’d always be playing my Aria. I’ve owned around 500 guitars since I started playing, and sadly I could not keep them all - but guess which guitar I still have? Yup, that Urchin! And it STILL gets pulled out from its case whenever I just can’t get my other guitars to feel/play/sound right. You know those frustrating days when you just can’t get a lick down, or your pinch harmonics just won’t work, or your tone just isn’t right... yeah, that AriaPro is STILL my #1. (I currently own about 100 guitars, including a few AriaProII’s.) When I was a teenager, I had a lot less experience with guitars. I’d go to the music stores and play 30 different guitars in an hour. I tried out a bunch, but was surprised the expensive Gibsons seemed to play worse than my used Aria! The quality of the guitar was just top notch. It’s over 40 years old now, and still plays like butter. I became a huge fan of Japanese guitars (half my collection is Japanese guitars from the 80s and 90s), and especially Matsumoku. I have an Atlansia bass which is almost too nice to play. I’m always on the lookout for used AriaProII’s from the 70s and 80s, but for the last 10-20 years they don’t come up for sale as often as they used to. The 90’s were truly a treat - you could grab these great guitars used for $150 all the time. People thought of them as cheap guitars - the secret wasn’t out yet!

I have an Aria PE 1000 bought it new in the 70s, is a work of art and wonderful tone..It was a wedding present from my wife.

@sesa1076

3 жыл бұрын

Man, what’d you get her!?!? Lol

@adaptivebusinessconsulting8080

3 жыл бұрын

@@sesa1076 I learned to play so I could sing to her...

@sesa1076

3 жыл бұрын

Touché.

I got a bunch of them: Aria Pro ii, Westone, Vantage. All 80s stuff

@bierontbier

3 жыл бұрын

Lucky bastard!

@gingerbeer914

3 жыл бұрын

Several months ago I bought my first Aria Pro II bass model back: the Cardinal Solid Bass CSB-300, also called CSB-380 abroad (that's what they're called in Oz). One coil of the original humbucker was shot, so I had it rewound by ToneSpinner in Rosmalen. Gerard Schellekens did an excellent job! This bass is now better than the one I had in 1992 and sold in 2001. Definitely a keeper! From Westone I only have a Spectrum DX, which IMHO is cool axe with some great features, like push=pull pots for coil splitting. Here's a short old advertisement, the other guys talk too long: kzread.info/dash/bejne/o2l5qJmThsSrfMY.html The Vantage guitars I own are already from Samick, Korea, so post-1987. My top of the bill Aria Pro II guitar is the L-1000, a replica of the Gibson Super V, which was a hybrid of the Gibson L-5CES and the Gibson Super 400. The guitar was also sold as PE-180. They go for around two grand now (that's euros, not dollars). I've owned it for 22 years now. I'm hanging on to her like Smeagol/Gollem to his precious.

Bought my first Aria Pro II in 1984. Still have it and play it regularly. Currently have about 40 Aria Pro II. All made at the Matsumoku factory. Awesome instruments

@NobodyCaresALot

3 жыл бұрын

You have 40 bass guitars? Did I read that right? What's that like?

@whssy

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Having only six, I need no longer worry that my obsession may have gotten out of control.

@greatwhite61967

2 жыл бұрын

So your the reason I can't get a hold of one... lol I meant to ask how many were built in Matsumoku Japan as those were the original & best Aria Bas Guitar where the built quite a few various models but unfortunately closed in 1986... " Play Them & Enjoy Them " .....

I've had many late-70s and early 80s Matsumoku guitars. I still have many! They're great.

@masoncormier5416

2 жыл бұрын

Ever heard of Crestwood les Paul

@ainsleystones4600

2 жыл бұрын

@@masoncormier5416 no I haven't! I'll have a look!

This was UTTERLY AMAZING!!!!!!! Thank you so much for this incredibly informative (and entertaining) video!

@secretguitarlab

Жыл бұрын

wow loved this vid, then saw your comment!

Great video. I bought an SB900 and SB1000 back in the early 80's. Still got them today. Great quality instruments. Only basses I have had for the last 40 yrs.

I hope to see another episode of Japanese guitar factories' history soon, this one was amazing.

Thanks for making this video dude!

Excellent clip, extremely well-researched and completely free of eBay-seller myths. :-) I salute you, sir. I'm more of a generalist MIJ guitar fan than a dedicated Matsu-head, but I'll be going to Japan next year (hopefully) and a small pilgrimage to the little Matsumoku monument in Matsumoto City is probably unavoidable. :-)

@SanderVisserSanderVisser

3 жыл бұрын

That sounds amazing! I got to play a Tokai breezysound (I think) in a small boutique in Sendai last year. He actually had the whole revisionist process documented and the thing played wonderful

Haha, love the end. Very interesting video!

I've waited years for this info...appears simple but you summed up Aria in a nutshell...thanks...brill!!

What an awesome history lesson I'll be tuning in for the rest of your segments regarding the foreign guitar manufacturers and instruments that made the sounds and tones of musical history

I am lucky enough to have found a 1976/77 Matsumoko PE-180 jazz box. Based closely on a Gibson Super V, it's just gorgeous. These guitars are very highly regarded in the jazz world, and mine is an absolute treasure. Great film, thank you.

This is an EXCELLENT video! Thank you for the research and information. I just picked up an Aria Pro II LS-600D, and it is one of the best Les Pauls I've ever played.

@SanderVisserSanderVisser

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a winner!

I have an Aria Pro II Thor Sound TS-600 that I bought in 1983. It’s an amazing guitar.

Aria Pro II has also been producing guitars in Japan for quite some time now. The PE-R80, PE-R100 and PE-1500RI models are available for purchase. They all seem to be faithful reproductions of the old Aria Pro II guitars. I don't know the price, but it's probably cheaper than Gibson.

WONDERFUL video! Subscribed! I love that you chose John Taylor as your featured SB-1000 player too!

Excellent video!!! I have a 1978 Aria Pro II / Matsumoku LC 550 that I dearly love and treasure!!! 🎸👍

A couple of years ago I bought an Aria 1820 bass without knowing what it was (since it was beaten up and was resprayed with a can). Played it for a short time, and then bought a near mint Aria Pro II TSB 350 which really sparked my love for old Japanese guitars. I now own 6 basses and 1 guitar, all made at Matsumoku or Fujigen. Awesome instruments!

@SanderVisserSanderVisser

3 жыл бұрын

I remember playing a TSB once. I loved the simplicity and feel of it and it set very well in the mix

Good video. Informative while not boring. Well done.

Much needed video. Thank you for making this. I have a few Aria, Aria pro II, Electra, Westone. Information on the Japanese guitar evolution is rare.

@SanderVisserSanderVisser

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you very much!

Super leuke video Sander!

Absolutely brilliant

Brilliant video. Thank you.

Love my Aria Pro SB bass. Took on many tours. Also, I think some new Aria Pro II models are made in Japan. Thanks for the video🥂

Great video, thanks!

I have an Aria pro two left handed guitar, 1970,s, love it.

Heel informatief, goed werk...zelf heb ik 2 westone gitaren uit die fabriek. Geweldige gitaren!! Groet, Joost.

Thanks for making this video. I love all of my Aria guitars, even the cheap latter Magna. Apart from that one , I've got the acoustics as an A587, 6710, 6712, LW12HB-1, next a Fullerton, Pro ii Wildcat and an Inazuma-V.

Good Vid dawg keep it up

I'll tell you my story from 25-years ago. In a pawn shop, I saw an Aria SG-2 copy --- never heard the name. It's a wine color (oxblood?) has a Bixby vibrato tailpiece, a bound Ebony fretboard, bound open book head stock and had an action that was out of this world... even out of tune. Something said "quality" in my mind, and I talked the $69 tag price down to $60 "out-the-door." Still have that guitar which I now know is a "pre-lawsuit" instrument. I have other quality guitars that I've paid much more money for, but none exceed the quality of this old Aria which has no serial number I can find, and therefore cannot be dated.

Great video.

Thank you for this video. I play two Aria Pro II SB 900 and have completely customized them to suit my preferences and playstyle. One of them is still my first bass and I bought it in 1991. If you want you can see them on my Lemmy Bass channel. RIP Lemmy & Cliff

Thank you so much for creating this video. I was looking for info on the history of Aria Pro II guitars and found it. I bought and gave my nephew a made in Japan 1980 Aria Pro II Les Paul last year. Great guitar for the money. I just picked up a made in Korea 1996 Aria Pro II FA-70 hollowbody jazz guitar (Samick made, I believe). It's an amazingly good guitar. The value of these guitars compared to price is hard to beat.

Bought a guitar from a bandmate in the late 80's he was getting his first Les Paul. Never heard of a Westbury Standard all I know it was it sounded good and played good. It had a set neck and 2 Humbuckers and was in player condition. My main instrument is bass but can play guitar. Stopped playing almost 30 years ago and started playing again during covid but if I saw a bass or guitar for sale throughout the years for a good price because I new I would play again and about 20 years ago I bought a 83 B.C.Rich Bich in mint shape with original case from a thrift store. Well found out about 2 years ago the Westbury that I still had came with Dimarzio super distortion pups and was made at the Matsumoku factory in Japan and the B.C.Rich was made in Nagoya Japan and was a little rare and just sold it for $500 in one day. As much as I like my Gibsons, Fenders and Guild I will not buy another one, I am buying nothing but good Japanese made instruments that were made from late 70's to mid 80's and paid no more then $400 for a mint 85 Westone Spectrum with original case. Since then I have gotten a 83 Westone Concord bass,85 Aria Pro II zzb bass,85 Aria Pro II zz Deluxe, 84 Aria Pro II Night Warrior, 80 Westbury Track II bass and have not paid more then $150-$300. These instruments are well made. The word has been getting out because some of these Japanese guitars and basses are starting to go up in price.

I have a 1976 Aria Les Paul Custom that I found in a pawn shop in 2008, best $150 I ever spent. Over the years, as the internet blossomed, I’ve loved diving deeper into the history of these Matsumoku masterpieces. Even so, you’ve done a masterful job laying out the origin story. Well done 👍

@SanderVisserSanderVisser

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! I really appreciate this and have loved the research for these guitars as well!

My old Aria Ts 600 still blows every Gibson and Fender away!

@SanderVisserSanderVisser

3 жыл бұрын

Those look amazing!

As a bass player always liked the Aria pro ll basses, just never could find them around to play,hear they are awsome by people who have

I have a Westone Thunder 1A that I bought brand new at A1 music in Manchester around 1983. It's still a great guitar, you can feel the quality. Nice video, thankyou!

I bought a brand new Tobacco Burst Aria Pro II LS-700 in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1978. It was not shaped like the PE models - it was an actual Les Paul Standard replica with open book headstock. The only visible difference between it and a Gibson was the branding "Aria Pro II" on the headstock. It was an amazing guitar.

I own a modded YS-300. It’s my single favorite guitar I’ve ever owned. If I can ever find a second one I’ll probably buy it on the spot. Good to see Aria getting more recognition these days.

Great video.. thank you so much!!!!!!!!! Vielen Danke, Grazie!

Seeing the photos of the Aria factory with the blue RSX-80s in the foreground is amazing. I own an Aria RSX-80 in red and a RS Deluxe V in red sparkle and its just amazing to see the place where my guitars were made. Hell, its unlikely but it could even be one of my guitars in those two photos in the background. The care, innovation and shear craftsmanship of these instruments is almost unparalleled. My RSX in particular I would put up against very high end PRS and feel safe that it would compare favourably, and with my guitars coil taps, phase switches and built in overdrive, there are only a few guitars that have that level of flexibility built in, at least without being custom or costing an arm and a leg. I now own many Japanese made instruments from companies like ESP, Tune (absolutely killer brand, way underappreciated for their role in modernizing instruments), and Ibanez, and can attest that despite them all having their own appeal, few companies or countries can produce more forward thinking and well made instruments than Japan, at least on a consistent basis. My Tune bass was made in the late 80's when bass pre-amps weren't really even that common, my bass has 2 separate pre-amps, one with treble and bass control and the other with bass mids and treble, 2 variable mid eqs, 3 pickups and runs on 27v of power, all in a body smaller than a Fender Jazz bass. Where were they getting these ideas from? Now just have to find a way to try out an Atlansia lol (H. Nobles own custom brand.)

Just got my first Aria. Love the chamfered bolt-on connection. Odd other manufacturers don't make the same as it's very helpful reaching the 24th fret. 😊

Thank you!! ×100 . I can feeled most happynes .

Amazing information…. I collect 70s and 80s Japanese guitars for the quality of craftsmanship.

@shawnmann9491

Жыл бұрын

Hello Mike, Might you know anything about Trio Guitars of California, and it’s “Hibari” model acoustics? I happened upon a W-230 six string , which is a beautiful Dreadnaught, modeled after the Martin design; I believe they were from 1969 to 1972. Thank You! Best Regards, Shawn

Thank you so much 😘

I just recently picked up a Fullerton Mo-Vibe (Mosrite copy) that was manufactured by Aria. Fantastic guitar!

Awesome! Matsumoku guitars are fantastic...

Thank you!

I have an old SB bass from 1982 or around that year. It’s the most solid all around bass I have. Never goes out of tune and always has a nice bright sound

Beautiful video. I own a Charvel So Cal MIJ 2011 model which was manufactured before the 2011 tsunami and earthquake that destroyed the facility that was making guitars for FMIC.

In 1979-80 my uncle bought a new SB-1000. At the time I had bought my first bass, a jazz copy from the terrible low end of japanese production. I did immediately fall in love with the instrument and this love have just grown. Through the years I have had many different Aria Pro II and Aria basses and guitars, or let's say Matsumoku built instruments. I have loved them all for their craftsmanship, elegance, playability, quality and care in details. I still have 23 instruments from the factory, and one post Matsu. They are my go-to instruments and the ones mostly relies on for a show as they never makes me disappointed. Thank you for an interesting video.

Sander Visser,thanx for this video,tells a lot more on Japanese guitars and it's history and relations between companies. I owned a Aria Diamond semi hollow electric in my younger years,but it wasn't my "cup of tea",as guitar. Now still owning some Japanese Fenders(Antiqua Telecaster, '51 Pawnshop),4 Terada acoustics,1 Terada ES 335,a 71 Tama Classical guitar. Hopefully you can make a video about Terada and Tama.

Although I have around 30 guitars I own a Matsumoku made Univox Badazz which I bought in the mid Seventies. I still play it and quite attached to it. Love the neck. I've found that it (and a friend's Matsumoku made Epiphone) have 7.25" fretboard radius.

I had an Aria Pro II strikin' sound 1981 in the past, really great quality guitar!

@SanderVisserSanderVisser

3 жыл бұрын

I love those big 70s style headstocks!

@titoanggarajati7564

3 жыл бұрын

@@SanderVisserSanderVisser actually i don't really likes big headstock 😂 but i still love the neck profile, thin c i guess and it fit on my hand

I have a 1977 Greco strat and a Matsumoku Aria Pro II Stagecaster, love them both.

this is an awesome short film. thank you so much for a great documentary. please make a correct short about the actual litigation between norlin and the asian builders!

@brandonmalone1893

3 жыл бұрын

You make it

I have a bunch of Aria Pro-II instruments, including 4 models Urchin - my favourite shape guitar! - like a set-neck U70, a VERY rare Junior and the top of the range: the neck-through U100. Also a doubleneck ST1512, some PEs, an EX850, a few basses too.... A bunch :) Most of these are late 70s and early 80s, made at Matsumoku. I absolutely love them.

@SanderVisserSanderVisser

3 жыл бұрын

Never knew about those Urchins, they look really cool! Aria sure wasn’t afraid to experiment a bit

I used to have a Westone Paduak guitar which was made in the Matsumoku factory. A single pickup model with a switchable active circuit. Great build quality and sound. I bought it brand new in the early 80s when the prices of Japanese made guitars were very reasonable.

Nice vid man, you should talk about Penco guitars, there are not much info aviable. Keep the good work!

Just picked up a gorgeous 1981 Aria Pro-II CS 350 for like $400. SUPER clean. Insanely clean. Can’t wait to get it.

love the sweater bro.

I have a matsumoku build Aria Pro II Gibson Ripper copy c. 1977. From what I can tell is it the PE-200 Bass from 1977 but the lettering on the headstock is different. I said I would never sell it but sadly it's up for sale right now 😥. I really love this bass! BTW, I found it in a pawnshop in 1995 for not much money.

SUPERBIST! Thank you for posting.

My first "real" guitar was an APII. Now I sell them! It comes full circle. Couldn't be happier!

My first decent guitar was a Matsumoku "Kimbara" Les Paul copy - I still have it 48 years later, plus various other Matsumoku guitars. I also have a lovely second-hand 1980s Aria Pro II TS-800.

I have an Aria Pro II Stratocaster and I'm very satisfied. This sound is unique!

Very interesting video, thank you. I have an Aria Pro II Stagecaster that (I think) I bought in 1978 (aged 16) for £147 - Matsumoku neck plate, Ser. # C780603. It was also everything I earned working that summer. I only recently realised what a gem of a guitar this is, so great to know more of its pedigree.

Thanks for this. I have an early/mid 90s PE-DLX lefty. I wish there were more lefties because I’d own a dozen if I could find them.

@jimmypage9283

3 жыл бұрын

I've got a lefty, Aria pro two, late 1970,s lovely neck and action.

I own a couple of Aria PRO II, Greco, Tokai and Burny. Would be nice if you could continue with the history of Kanda Shokai and Tokai Gakki

@johnanthonyfrancisco8233

3 жыл бұрын

Hey i have a Matsumoku 77 Frister SWINGING Bass coming as a gift form a relative and i have no idea what it sounds like

@greenfly1264

3 жыл бұрын

Get a fernandes stratocaster mate I got a 1990 57 replica it's killer beautiful. I did replace the middle pick up with a tokai cause it's got grunt and its my favourite pick up ever .The guitar is of an incredible build standard. Do yourself a favour track one down . Everytime I open the case I'm in awe.

bought my 1979 aria pro custom in greenburst in 1989. Still play it every day

I have a westone concorde 1 bass from 1983, I love the quality of these matsumoku instruments.

I have an Aria Custom Shop SB-025 Rosewood from 93 with the old Bart PUs and TCT, Rosewood fb and top/back body laminates, and even has coil switches for each pickup. The most unique Super Bass Ive found. It outclasses any Warwick, Stingray, Fender that Ive played. The only equal is the NS Design CR5. Makes me want to put a piezo in this SB025

Thank you for this! Would love to know about Maison, Fernandes / Burny and Greco!

I own a mid-80s Aria Pro II "The Cat" Bass with the active electronics P&J setup. I purchased it new from Sam Ash on Queens Blvd. in NYC back in the spring of '87. It is great to learn more of the history of Aria, and it is a shame that are made in Korea and China now. Nothing against those places, it's just a sad part of history. Thanks for the great video.

Nice video, I have a Westone Pantera x790 bass and a Westone Pantera x350 guitar. I own and play the bass for years, it looks and sounds great and it has never let me down. Same for the guitar that I found in the music store in my hometown of all places, it was not cheap for a second hand guitar but I had to have it.

@sullie35

5 ай бұрын

I want both from you! Always wanted the Pantera X790 bass and the X350.

@janenmarelia

5 ай бұрын

@@sullie35 sorry, they are not for sale and they are my main instruments.

@sullie35

5 ай бұрын

@@janenmarelia I understand that.

🙂👍 Great story. You should do a video on the musical instrument division of the Yamaha company. Seems like everything they touch turns to gold(including several non-musical products)! Up until recently, I'd forgotten all about Aria Pro II's existence. But now I remember their electric guitars being sold at pretty much every local musical instrument store in northern Delaware in the early to mid 80s. They were cheaper than the "top brands" like Gibson and Fender. I never personally owned one in the 80s when I was still _"attempting"_ to play guitar(I owned a Yamaha and a Washburn). Guitar just wasn't my instrument, so I *switched* to drums in the early 90s, which was a MUCH more natural fit.

Really interesting. More Japanese guitar stuff very welcome, esp Greco, Burny

I have an Aria Diamond from the early 60's. It was my first serious guitar. It's been a great workhorse, the only issue I've had with it is some finish lifting near the neck because the wood has shrunken. As you mentioned it was a common problem because of the Japanese climate and woods not being dried properly. It's never missed a beat though and very soon I will be restoring it to it's original glory.

My first guitar was an Aria Pro II Heritage. Fantastic guitar. Bought an Aria Kat the ( with Kahler Trem ). I now have quite a few Fender and Squires, nearly all made in Japan. Amazingly quality! But don’t tell everyone 😉

My first proper guitar was an Aria Arx 100. I became fascinated by its rarity above anything else. At the time I had been only been playing a squier 3-quarter length strat. When I got my arx 100 I found out that there was very little information about it, and this intrigued me. I think this guitar is built from ebony, but I’m really not too sure. Perhaps it’s been modified due to the Grover lock in tuners and the “Duncan designed” hum-bucker pickups. I really would love to know more about this series of guitar. I understand that they made an “arx 200” series, but very little is known about this also.

I have T.Hauro. T-60 It is a 1970s copy of a Martin D-35 and I absolutely love it. The craftsmanship is top notch. I will never sell it, because I’ll never find anything that sounds and plays as nice that I could afford without taking out a second mortgage on my house. I have also owned a 83 Fender Squire SQ series. A wonderful instrument! A lot of folks say they are basically early 80s fenders because Japan was making a superior instrument at that time.

Love these guitars Im restoring a Aria Pro II MS. Its a beast.

I just picked-up a nice 1974 Greco JB420S. Matsumoku-made. Has the three-pice neck that you mentioned (and it is freakin' awesome). Also have one of the last Aria Pro II made in 1986. Two of the nicest in my "JV" arsenal.

My main player is an ‘85 Squier Bullet 1. The MIJ models were an excellent example of quality to dollar ratio.

Got a 1978 Aria Pro 2 Hollowbody walnut sounds awsome

I couldn't agree more. Myself I have 8 high end Matsumoku guitars from the eighties (Westbury, Aria and Vantage). Beautiful and trustworthy.

I have an Aria Pro II PE-R80. I think it's an '82. Great video! Thank you for this.

I had an Aria Pro II bass in '79 , was my begginnings on Rock Bands and finally I exchanged it for a Les Paul Custom '78 , in 1988.

I have 2 Aria Les Paul Customs and an Aria Pro 2 Les Paul Standard. Love and play them regularly.

@phil36135

11 ай бұрын

I have a Les Paul custom open book I think late 60s My Dad bought it new for my birthday in 71 its in new condition and has. natural finish. Uts my favorite guitar and I play it a lot

Thanks Man, I always guessed Aria was a false name base on the muscial term so Arai it is ! I just bought and old « Country » brand Les paul made in 80 in Matsumoku hope the guitar will rock !

Hey, Bill Coolen! That's where I bought my used PE-175 jazz guitar in 1988 🙂

Have two Aria Pro II LC Customs '78-'80 with ebony board and all. Guitars with so much character and qualities you won't find today.

This is a great video, thanks for all the info, Eastman Strings out of Beijing China have been going through a somewhat similar thing for the past 10 or so years, I have an acoustic guitar of theirs which I feel privileged to own, hand crafted of outstanding woods and workmanship, sounds and plays so nice, they're in partnership with Bourgeois Guitars (renowned boutique maker) of the U.S now, their instruments rival anything produced anywhere in the world.

@wychwoodmusic

10 ай бұрын

Eastman guitars are shockingly great, I remember trying to sell a (relatively inexpensive) Martin to my local shop and the owner argued it wouldn’t sell because it would be going up against Eastman’s at lower prices and sound worse by comparison. After I tried one or two I had to agree. (Happily I sold it for a good price on kijiji to some guy who mostly just seemed to be pursuing the Martin name.)

I have a matsumoku Epiphone Emperor archtop, looking like an L5 with ebony parts. It has a Kalamazoo label inside. Huge pots like you see in vintage Les Pauls

I have ’77 Precise p-bass and ’78 Stagecaster. Woods are superb on those and are not pancake bodies. Excellent instruments.

I have my dad's Japanese EB-3 copy, bought in 1971 at a shop in Bellingham, WA so some sailor likely brought it over. It's not branded other than "made in Japan", so I assume it's a Matsumoku. It has the proprietary Greco muffle bridge and slot-head headstock also.